Thomas Letang thinks presidential search could have been wider

Thomas Letang
Thomas Letang

“The search could have been wider.”

This is the opinion of the General Secretary of the Dominica Public Service Union, Thomas Letang, in light of the recent election of former Minister of National Security, Charles Savarin, as President of Dominica.

“When we think of the current state of the country in terms of how divided we are as a people one would have thought that whoever was going to be appointed as president of Dominica would be somebody who would appear to be non partisan,” he told DNO on Tuesday. “Although you cannot escape from the fact that anybody who is appointed as president would have their own political preferences.”

According to Letang, the president should be a symbol of unity, “one in whom you believe there would be great degree of fairness coming from that person.”

He highlighted that Savarin has done tremendous work in the public service and indicated that under normal circumstances, he would have been the ideal candidate to be head of state.

“Mr Savarin served as General Secretary of the Union for about 17 years and indeed he made a significant contribution to that organization,” he said. “So I think it would have been the right thing under normal circumstances to really hail him on becoming president of Dominica.”

Letang noted however, that although there is nothing unconstitutional about someone resigning as a minister of Parliament and being elected as president, “other factors” must be looked at.

“You have to look at all the other factors and what may be in the best interest of the country … we are saying that we are not sure that Mr Savarin will be enough to unify Dominicans and our position is the search could have been wider and they could have appointed somebody who would have appeared to be that symbol of unity,” Letang said.

However, he indicated that it is his hope that Savarin will reflect on all the negative things that have been said about him and his own personality and should avoid being partisan and conduct his work on a fair and impartial basis as president.

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66 Comments

  1. DE_SCRIPTER
    October 2, 2013

    Dear Stupid Dominicans,

    It is not a crime to Nominate Charles Savarin its the goverment right to make their recommendation.So with all ur “gun point” president and all you small minded thinking. all u see arm guards and road block all u vex. isn’t it how this is done everywhere in the world arm guards, secret service armed to the “teeth”.

    Especially when there was a premeditated protest that was scheduled. All you saying they was going to shout people..(workers I not in politics but come on).Coming on the radio and telling foreigners the Prime Minister of Dominica had the country under GUN POINT yesterday. This is ridiculous and saying children was suffering because of one day of road block for the appointment of our like it or not PResident.UWP you guys are full of it, LENNOX LINTON is a liar and he is the worst kind the one that convince him self he talking the truth. Arm Guards and road blocks is what we need for our President the man have to feel secure and feel safe anywhere under any circumstances.

    You want de man to be in traffic or the guest that is coming to the sworning to be in traffic while a protest is going on? wouldn’t that cause some kinda friction that might be escalated e.g protesters throwing stuff at vehicles going to the HOUSE? Skeritt you did a smart thing road block arm guards, let them protest but keep the peace.

    WORKERS AND LENNOX GET OVER IT. Where in the world do you see a president traveling without arm guards and road blocks. We closing Air Port and Road for CHAVEZ when he come and we cannot make a little road block out of respect for our new president. SmH. Lennox i would vote you but you not making sense.

    What if protesters and we know sometimes our people can be violent in protest. That has been proven in the past. They had send bottles and stones behind the vehicle of some of the guest. Lennox and them would say “the Prime Minister had no security for his President” and all kind conjecture.

    • John Paul
      October 3, 2013

      all what You are saying including calling us stupid Charles Savarin has said and done already in His Ayatollah Incarnation. Now everything that comes out His mouth will seem like hypocrisy because of His previous actions that is why He is not a suitable Person for the President

  2. Onlylove
    October 2, 2013

    So now Letang expressing himself. Stupes

  3. St. Joe Massive
    October 2, 2013

    Increase your vocabulary and find some more appropriate words.

  4. urban
    October 2, 2013

    That name Bushman really suits you.You sound so childish and empty

  5. Justice and Truth
    October 2, 2013

    Thomas Letang, you state about negativity and dissatisfaction towards Charles Savarin. You failed to notice the vindictiveness of all those who oppose this presidency. They are chronic complainers and critics. No one would please them.
    What about the negative words of those who comment on this Website? They have much to learn beginning with respect. Their criticisms are unbecoming and disrespectful. They are the ones who should change. It appears that they will not change their minds. They will go to their graves in this ungodly manner.

    • John Paul
      October 3, 2013

      Just like Charles Savarin did in 1979 go read up on it see how He behaved History is just repeating itself except we have the top rebel as the President now

  6. aa
    October 2, 2013

    Dont you think you are a bit lste mr letang

  7. Zafa Laza
    October 1, 2013

    I was asked, “who is the president of my country?” (Dominica). My answer was, ‘Nobody.’

  8. voter
    October 1, 2013

    Laborites remember nothing last forever It was labor then freedom then workers then labor it must end!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  9. Diaspora Crave
    October 1, 2013

    For many years we have seen the rippling effects of politics in our society. Some people are reluctant to participate or even try to be vocal because of others who try to demean and belittle them when they voice their opinion. Mr. Letang like everyone else is entitled to his opinion. I am not a supporter of the UWP or DLP and I respect the rights of every Dominican to speak out whenever issues affect them. This is what a democracy should be. Therefore I hope and long to see the day when we can put aside the negativity and ‘ maypwi’ that seem to consume us during election time. There are some who seek to inject intimidation and fear in their approach just to achieve their goals. We should exercise a lot more maturity and civility and be respectful in the way we conduct ourselves as Dominicans. We are better than what we are showing the rest of the world through social media. Please remember that at the end of this process we are going to need each other to succeed as a nation and as a people. God bless Dominica!

  10. forreal
    October 1, 2013

    nonesencecal,he applauding him on one hand,and degrading him on the other,like a two way switch,why did’nt he addresed the fact,that the (PM)stated,that the office of the president,does not(direct or infuence the direction that primeminister of the country chose to take the country,to much cat and mouse games,speak straight and forward)it’s not like he is a president in iran,with a council and powers,despite his nickname,he ain’t no komeni,as far as been made public knowlege,the guy is just a stand guy,like the past governers and presidents,all they got to do,is stand up in the sun on parade day.

  11. POsitive
    October 1, 2013

    When hurricane come it bring it’s WINDS of uncertainty with it,lets hope the GOOD GOD will influence charlo to pay back DOMINICA,and be fair,prove skerrit and tony wrong,DOMINICA is not theirs own.And at his age is time to make peace with his conscience,so we mightjust have a BLESSING in disguise

    • John Paul
      October 3, 2013

      You really expect that this Old Leopard will change his spots at this stage of the game?
      You are gullible!

  12. 1 800 Anonymous
    October 1, 2013

    Agreed!! With all this wisdom I vote for you to be the next President of Dominica.

  13. Gru-gru Tree
    October 1, 2013

    The chickens are coming home to roost. Labour days are numbererd. What a bachanal.

  14. st.joe massiff #2
    October 1, 2013

    Charles savarin pas bon period!

  15. CIA on the Watch
    October 1, 2013

    Mr. Letang given all what you have said, why was it so difficult for the PSU to have made a statement condeming the process used. You guys are cowards thats why under your leadership the public servants will never be respected. What a shame Thomas Letang

  16. October 1, 2013

    Letang you too engras,you jealous,you once said you learnt from Mr.Savarin now you are singing a different tune,you afraid you are condemned by theblessed one who can remove ointment? So in other words a trade unionist is not eligible to be president?

    • Stopthepress
      October 1, 2013

      @Bushman-Reading is fundamental! My 6 year old neice can read this very article and come out with a greater appreciation of language and diction. You are an arse!

  17. Joe
    October 1, 2013

    I want 2 questions answer please Mr. Letang:

    1. Which President of Dominica was ever given the task of unifying the nation? In my mind Dominica has always been politically divided and will always be divided as long as people continue to have the right to choose their government!!!

    2. Please explain what is the abnormal circumstances that is preventing Mr. Saverin from being the ideal candidate?…. I guess in your books Brian Alleyne would be an ideal cadidate even if he too is politically incline and was a politician for many years!!!!!

  18. supporter
    October 1, 2013

    Nomination Committee what are you trying to say.you do not make much sense.Letang has said nothing different to what was said before.Nonscense with your foolish talk about hostility

  19. Less we forget
    October 1, 2013

    Under normal circumstances…..

    … there is nothing unconstitutional about someone resigning as a minister of Parliament and being elected as president

    well, frankly speaking…where Skerritt is concerned, there will NEVER be normal circumstances. and we MUST also blame the Opposition.

    Simple put – you are sayign that he is fit, but for the circumstances, all of which have been cretaed by both parties.

    so it is constitutional – and that’s all the matters becuase we all know for a fact, that anyone would have been an issue.

    let’s not kid ourselves.

    each man is for his interest.

    • John Brown
      October 1, 2013

      @ Less we forget

      so true,anyone would have been an issue.

    • Gru-gru Tree
      October 1, 2013

      And what is Mr. saverin’s interest?

    • Anonymous
      October 1, 2013

      Letang, say is as it is. Do not try to spice it up. You know full well that Charles is a poor choice.
      You know after Wednesday, Dominica finish split.
      Dominicans need to stop behaving like Dummies In A Can

    • CONFUSED !!
      October 1, 2013

      2 less we forget- was there any consultation? can a man who once a member of the ruling gov’nt be impartial? why was;nt Mr. Bruney not accepted on the ipo commission? mr Bruney was not accepted because it was said that he is a member of UWP. Why then can Charlo who is a known member of DLP become president? well i guess it suits them now. I believe you guys need to forget party as KING DICE say and think first about country. Skerrit is hint about dual citizenship on DNO is just an eye opener for what is to come. why can a man with such a bad record become president? I invite you to read Mr. D. Joseph column. SATAN CANNOT CORRECT SIN!!!!!!

  20. Kubuli Kountry
    October 1, 2013

    Forget it Letang…Charles Savarin sold his soul looooong time ago.

  21. Nome
    October 1, 2013

    Sir,why didn’t Edison James look across the vast land scape of marigot to replace him and eventually be the leader of uwp?does it means that there is presently no capable person in the constituency to fill that post? why go for lennox ?form marigot true,but an outsider to the place.i guess our leaders have the right to choose who they want.

    • Compre Tig
      October 1, 2013

      Stop expressing your ignorance and stupidity here

    • Wendy
      October 1, 2013

      none of your damn business go to hell! go hell! who Edison choose to reppresent Marigot is none of your damn business( in my skerro tone :-P )

    • St. Joe Massive
      October 2, 2013

      what does that have to do with the price of rice

  22. T mama
    October 1, 2013

    Certainly…the choices could have been wider….many many Dominicans are not satisfied…we just have to wait and see how he will do as President….

  23. cdj
    October 1, 2013

    Congrats Mr. Savarin Who vex loss. Mr Linton, Mr.Edison and Opposition Leader Hector John should and must tell their supporters and Dominicans the truth, I mean the section of the Constitution that refers to election of a President. Dominicans can also go to http://www.dominica.gov.dm to read for themselves. This is for those who have access to a Computer. UWP Please stop lieing to your supporters and to Dominicans in general .

    • NISE!!!!
      October 1, 2013

      dear cdj you are such an IDIOT!!!!!!!!!

  24. supporter
    October 1, 2013

    Letang my friend u could not have said it better.Under normal circumstances he could have been a perfect candidate but not under what is presently existingSkerrit and the Labour Party will suffer at the polls for that arrogant decision

    • Cyrique
      October 1, 2013

      Get over it

  25. Nomination committe
    October 1, 2013

    Thank You Thomas Letang for partially acknowledging your open useless hostility towards His Excellency Charles Angelo Savarin, your predecessor in your trade union leadership.

    You seemed to have tampered your Hostility. Better late than never.

    Please be guided by our respond to your first statement on the matter:

    But Mr. Letang and the executive never supported the office of the president when Lennox Linton was accusing the President falsely for Corruption.

    When Lennox Linton Called the President a “black Dominican breed and bread Country Bookie from Grand Bay”

    When the UWP requested the President to take action in matters he had no Power then accused him of being bias.

    Why should Mr Letang and the executive no find it convenient to seek to claim they are defending the office of the president over a non issue. Is it to show their partisanship?

    What is wrong with a Minister going straight to President.

    Barrack Obama Senator to President

    Barrack Obama was considered a far left Liberal Democrat another word for very, very partisan politician

    He has to work with both houses of Congress.

    The members of the DPSU elected an executive to represent their interest which they did a poor job that cost them deduction from their salaries after they followed wrong advise from the executive.

    Dont blame Charles Savarin for your incompetence in the matter.

    To come at this moment and state that Charles Savarin is a bad choice as he has not shown that he is in a position to unify the nation is seeking childish revenge on a skillful negotiator.

    Instead the DPSU should seek counsel from Charles Savarin because there are always grater and lesser persons than us.

    Charles Savarin is the best there is in that field.

    • BLUEVEX
      October 1, 2013

      yes concur with you. tell them uwp to huff and puff but the house still stand their intention was to blow it down. desparadohs uwp.
      CHAROL IS PRESIDEN. THE EYES HAVE IT 18-3

    • looking
      October 1, 2013

      My friend you can’t compare the US politics with ours. Their president must be from a political party. They have the choice to vote for a president which is presented by each political party and a representative. Obama is Democrat but republicans rule the houses.

      Admin: Republicans control the house of representatives; Democrats control the senate.

      • looking
        October 2, 2013

        Thanks Admin, but the point i was making that our politics can’t be compared with that of the states.

    • NISE!!!!
      October 1, 2013

      NOMINATION COMMITTEE YOU SEEM TO HAVE SELECTIVE MEMORY. CAN SAVARIN BE IMPARTIAL ? HAVE YOU READ DENISE JOSEPH ARTICLE? HAVE YOU LISTENED TO MR SAVRIN STATEMENT OF SO MANY BOYCOTTS? HAVE YOU LISTENED TO HIM ASKING TO LOCATE UWP’S IN EVERY HOLE? IS THAT A MAN WHO CAN BRING ABOUT UNITY?
      FINALLY ” IT IS BETTER TO BE THOUGHT OF AS FOOL THAN TO OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND ERASE ALL DOUBTS.” THINK BEYOND THE BOX AND STOP PLAYING “RED.”

      • Nomination committe
        October 2, 2013

        Nisse!!!! You seem to have no memory at all. You write from a prompter.

    • Tell it like it is
      October 1, 2013

      Tell it like it is, FACTS.

    • St. Joe Massive
      October 2, 2013

      Rubbish

    • concerned
      October 2, 2013

      Mr Letang, you owe Charlo an apology. You too ungrateful Mr man. The salary you enjoying toady Charles Savarin never enjoyed . He worked hard and never enjoyed what you enjoying. Thank God for Charlo.

    • Reality
      October 2, 2013

      remember,that is only YOUR opinion.

  26. Nomination committe
    October 1, 2013

    Thank You Thomas Letang for partially acknowledging your open useless hostility towards His Excellency Charles Angelo Savarin, your predecessor in your trade union leadership.

    Better late than never. Please be guided by our respond to your first statement on the matter:

  27. unity
    October 1, 2013

    well said Letang

  28. laugh
    October 1, 2013

    the fact that you cannot prosIVILperly spell the word ‘civil’ is an indication that you might not be a civil servant .What is your point.LETANG IS TOTALLY RIGHT Sivil Servant

  29. Balanced
    October 1, 2013

    Well said BRO letang.Now that is maturity ,positive and non partisan.Dominica could could be better off if we had more right thinking people like you.Both Government and opposition can learn from you.Fair and just.U could have been a good candidate for President

    • Right on Cue
      October 1, 2013

      What? Letang? It must be All Fool’s Day, April 1st and not October 1st. Where u going with that?

  30. Black Widow
    October 1, 2013

    I’m searching hard to find what in Thomas’ statement is having a few minions so hell bent out of shape. The man is yet to utter a negative word about Charles Saverin. In all fairness it isn’t the stand that Charles along with many others took that worries me, re 1979(ASIDE: heck we hail the same people with lesser testicular fortitude as heroes) it his very polarzing and openly vicious tongue lashing on citizens with a different sentiment on radio. Charles Saverin almost died on air live, with Tony in the background egging him on, for more maypuis with little care that he was in distress. This is what worries me about the man and his ability to win over people. I have personally met the man on many occasions, and I dare say I found him charming, informed and unlike many naysayers having a deep love for Dominica. I wish he had taken some time after his illness to be more apologetic, less insensitive and vile with his tongue.

    Charles Saverin wasn’t alone in rioting, in tearing down Dominica. After all of this he was still a hero to many, DFP embraced him, and I know I saw him with my very two eyes on many a Friday night, barbecuing chicken in Plume lafimer for DFP to raise funds, yet no one chastised. He was good then. He was good enough to be leader of DFP and and even be in government, you all never had issuses, what then you folks who embraced hime expected? He would have been an idiot not to aspire for more, so let’s all take it in strides and cease with the violence talk.

    The Opposition dropped the ball, who vex lost. You had your chance to have your nominee write in and state your position. You all form the royal A and then blame Skerrit, no you all aren’t sticking to what you were elected to do.

    • kennedy-ave
      October 1, 2013

      Labourites are going to giveu thumbs down for not bashing Letang.

      UWPites are going to give your thumbs down for calling them out on not having a nominee,

      DFP Remnants are going to give you thumbs down for throwing their past in their faces. The same people now bashing Charlo ran on his ticket for DFP, they were in the collision Government with him and now they hoping Dominicans have forgotten.

      • DANZIGER
        October 1, 2013

        AMEN AND AMEN @ Kennedy-ave.

      • Really!
        October 1, 2013

        You forget to mention that Lennox Linton was a supporter of that same Charles Savarin and the Freedom Party. He and others in the UWP leadership and followers strongly supported the events of August 1979; the stone throwing, the harassment of the Labour Party supporters, and eventually the overthrow of the Labour Government. Civil servants who are now supporting UWP admit it, you helped Charles Savarin and Freedom Party to bring down the country. Charles was called a Hero, Dominica’s Saviour and today he is the worse thing.

        Even Labour Party supporters who suffered during that era had forgiven Charles Savarin, so as far as I’m concerned Charles Savarin I s suitable for the position of President.
        Hypocrites all of you UWPites.

    • CONFUSED !!
      October 1, 2013

      @ BLACK WIDOW: FIRST YOU SOUND JUST LIKE YOUR NAME. MY apologies. allow me to provide you with a refresher. DNO polls- charlo (11%) last. how can a man who is a member of DLP become president and can he be impartial? how can a man with such a bad history become president? how can a man who asked for the boycott of brisane and causing it to close become president? how could that same man who denied bruney on the commission because he is a uwp member become the president and a member of DLP? how could a man who instigated violence in 1979 become prsident? WHY WAS’NT ELUDE WILLIAMS CONTINUE IN THAT POST? KING DICE SAY, WE MUST COME BACK TO COUNTRY AND FORGET PARTY EACH ONE OF US.
      PUT COUNTRY FIRST AND NOT PARTY, THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!!! THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL!!!! DLP MUST GO!!!!!

  31. Anonymous
    October 1, 2013

    That makes sense but we all know every time around election the country is divided.

    But im just happy u said
    “under normal circumstances he would have been the ideal candidate to be head of state.”

    So lets put our differences aside and accept the ideal candidate 4 the state

  32. Woy Woy
    October 1, 2013

    Somehow, I want to align myself to what Mr. Letang has said. That is a change from his initial remarks on the matter.

    When all the talk about the constitution and how it was not adequately adhered to done, we have a President in place. Mr. Charles Angelo Savarin is President. Given all thathe represented inthe past, Mr. Savarin must now rise to the occasion and prove to one and all, his detractors and supporters alike that he can be Presidential. He can work to unite the country. It will not be an easy task, given the present state of our politics but, with good will it can be done. Nelson Mandela’s treatment of his jailors and murderers of his people gave us a most profound example of how it might be done. The question that must be asked. Are we prepared to allow Mr. Savarin to prove his worth? Are we prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt now that he is elected? Will agitation on the streets and boycott of functions deliver tous the president we want?. If we keep throwing mud in his direction, will it not be difficult for him to do what he was elected to do?

    If I was Mr. Savarin, my first order of business is to seek a behind the scenes, away from the camera, mutually arranged meeting with the opposition to attempt at reassuring them that I will be not let Dominica down. I will President for all.

    When Mr. Savarin was dispatched by Mamo to London and later Brussels, it was generally said that Mamo sent him where he cannot cause problems for her. today, did Mr. Skerrit silenced Charlo once and for all?

  33. Positive
    October 1, 2013

    Mr Letang you made me laugh out very loud.

  34. Anonymous
    October 1, 2013

    I trust the undecided voters will see it your way and judge the PM accordingly. Thanks for sharing your honest opinion, trust more individuals on the sidelines will join you in condemning the appointment of this “president”

  35. October 1, 2013

    whats wrong with saying the search for a president could be wider? he has something to say thats why he is talking.nothing wrong with that. its a democracy

  36. October 1, 2013

    if it wasn’t for tt to open his mouth…. you opinion matters to no one .

  37. sivil slavant
    October 1, 2013

    what a *+#*** :-x ….just shut up if you have nothing positive to say man :oops: :oops:

  38. take your time
    October 1, 2013

    To this is how a non partisan person speaks. Thank you mr. Letang.

    • Helas!
      October 1, 2013

      well said!!

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